After losing out on a headlining opportunity against Renato Moicano last month, lightweight Arman Tsarukyan has his next opponent and date set.
Tsarukyan (19-3) will face Joaquim Silva (12-3) as part of the UFC’s June 17, 2023 Fight Night event, expected to take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
ESPN was first to report news of the match-up. Iridium Sports Agency, who represent Silva, and the fighter himself later confirmed the booking.
Tsarukyan currently sits at #8 in the 155lb division, and is coming off a win over Damir Ismagulov in December. Prior to that, the Armenian dropped a unanimous decision to Polish contender Mateusz Gamrot.
The 26-year old has posted a 6-2 record in the UFC to date, with his only loss besides Gamrot coming in his promotional debut — against current champ Islam Makhachev.
Brazil’s Silva last fought in October, finishing Jesse Ronson via TKO. That snapped a two-fight skid while improving Silva’s overall record in the promotion to 5-3.
Along with Arman Tsarukyan vs. Joaquim Silva, the following match-ups have been reported for the June 17 card, expected to be UFC on ESPN 46:
- Marvin Vettori vs. Jared Cannonier
- Alessandro Costa vs. Jimmy Flick
- Tereza Bleda vs. Gabriella Fernandes
- Modestas Bukauskas vs. Zac Pauga
- Miles Johns vs. Raoni Barcelos
- Arman Tsarukyan vs. Joaquim Silva
